Stechkin APS: The Soviet Machine Pistol

Published on January 11, 2019
Duration: 9:57

This guide details the field stripping process for the Stechkin APS machine pistol, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It covers the basic steps to disassemble the firearm for cleaning and maintenance, emphasizing its similarity to the Makarov PM. The video highlights the unique rate reducer mechanism within the grip.

Quick Summary

The Stechkin APS is a Soviet select-fire machine pistol developed by Igor Stechkin. It fires the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge with a 20-round magazine and features a mechanical rate reducer in the grip to control its cyclic rate of fire, making it suitable as a Personal Defense Weapon for NCOs and specialist troops.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Stechkin APS
  2. 00:30Development History
  3. 01:00Design Concept & Role
  4. 02:06Comparison & Controls
  5. 03:16Magazine & Holster-Stock
  6. 05:44Field Stripping & Action
  7. 06:38Rate Reducer Mechanism
  8. 07:54Service History & Later Use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Stechkin APS and who developed it?

The Stechkin APS is a Soviet select-fire machine pistol developed by Igor Stechkin at the Tula Arsenal in the late 1940s. It was adopted by the Soviet Union in 1951 as a Personal Defense Weapon for NCOs and specialist troops.

What caliber does the Stechkin APS fire and what is its magazine capacity?

The Stechkin APS fires the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge and features a 20-round double-stack magazine, providing significantly higher capacity than standard pistols of its era.

How does the Stechkin APS control its rate of fire in full-auto mode?

The Stechkin APS incorporates a mechanical rate reducer located within the grip frame. This mechanism slows down the cyclic rate of fire, making full-automatic bursts more manageable and controllable for the operator.

What was the intended role of the Stechkin APS machine pistol?

The Stechkin APS was designed as a Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) for Soviet non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and specialized troops, such as tank crews and drivers, who required more firepower than a standard pistol but found full-sized rifles impractical.

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